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Q.2) To a certain degree both India and Bangladesh depend on each other for security and stability. In light of this, take an overview of the consolidation of the bilateral ties between the two countries and discuss the issues that need to be addressed between the two countries. (10 Marks)

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Swatantra

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“Mentor’s Comments”

  • https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/comments-to-avoid-in-long-standing-ties/article34721356.ece
  • In the intro, mention the spectacular economic growth  achieved by Bangladesh.
  • In the body, discuss how two countries are tied with each other as neighbours- sharing of approximately 4100km long land border with security implications for both the countries, cultural ties, economic ties and India’s role as a sole supporter in early years of Bangladesh’s independence. Also mention that, with economic progress achieved by Bangladesh both countries can leverage their potential for mutual benefits and the day is not far when both countries will see movement of people on the lines of capital and commerce and complete the economic integration. Cooperation of security front would benefit both the countries as they both share the same vulnerabilities.
  • Conclude by mentioning the need for India to recognise the concerns of Bangladesh as it takes the steps such as CAA.

Comments

55 responses to “Q.2) To a certain degree both India and Bangladesh depend on each other for security and stability. In light of this, take an overview of the consolidation of the bilateral ties between the two countries and discuss the issues that need to be addressed between the two countries. (10 Marks)”

  1. Vishal Nagle Avatar
    Vishal Nagle

    Ref id 422329

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Vishal

      Introduction is good, mention the figure of 4100 km border, you can also mention the recent economic growth achieved by Bangladesh(India is largest trade partner in South Asia, will ensure further stability).

      In the body in consolidation part, you can mention
      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      border haats
      line of credit by India

      In issues mention
      Teesta water issue(this is an important one)
      Rohingya issue
      balance of trade in India’s favor(seen as a problem for B’desh)

      Rest of the points are good, try to bring more dimensions in the answer, especially economic ones as Bangladesh has made major progress.

      Keep practicing.

  2. subhashree mallick Avatar
    subhashree mallick

    pay_HH1EGxOD3EGEhl

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Subhashree

      Introduction is good, mention gdp per capita.

      In consolidation of relations you need to bring out more dimensions since the liberation war, you can mention some of these
      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      border haats
      line of credit by India
      connectivity from kolkata to agartala via b’desh

      In issues mention
      Teesta water issue(this is an important one)
      illegal immigration issue(sensitive for India)
      balance of trade in India’s favor(seen as a problem for B’desh)

      Conclusion is okay, however course correction is a strong word, relation between India-bangladesh have been fairly good, so you can say both countries need to keep each others’ concerns in mind.

      Keep writing, in IR questions try to include more dimensions instead of explaining each point in detail.

  3. shivanshu pandey Avatar
    shivanshu pandey

    #0000416168 please check

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shivanshu

      Kindly re upload.

    2. shivanshu pandey Avatar
      shivanshu pandey

      Please.

    3. shivanshu pandey Avatar
      shivanshu pandey

      @swatantra

  4. Anupam Singh Avatar
    Anupam Singh

    Ref_id# 422544

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Anupam

      You have started the answer by sharing a fact, that is good, however just sharing a border is not an issue, illegal activities (insurgency, drug, human trafficking, organized crime etc) through border is an issue.

      Also, bring economic dimension in your answer. Bangladesh has achieved spectacular growth and it is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, so it is good for both countries.

      In consolidation, you have to write the positives. In 3rd point you just mentioned illegal activities, talk about what has been done to solve them e.g- coordinated border management plan, border haats etc. You can also mention

      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      line of credit by India

      In issues mention
      illegal immigration issue(sensitive for India)- important in light of CAA, NRC
      balance of trade in India’s favor(seen as a problem for B’desh
      Rohingya issue (bhashan char was in news because of this, not dispute)
      Teesta point is good.

      Conclusion is good,try to bring more dimensions in the answer, especially economic ones as Bangladesh has made major progress.

      Keep practicing.

  5. Gauri Shankar Meena Avatar
    Gauri Shankar Meena

    Payment Id pay_HHlJ1R1WIIMdGT

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Gauri Shankar

      You have written well, especially economic dimensions.
      In introduction, mention the figure of 4100 km border. In consolidation you can further mention these

      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty

      Will add factual content in your answer. Also 1st two are recent developments.

      In issues mention about Teesta dispute, Rohingya issue, both are important. Rest of the points are good.

      Conclusion is also good, keep writing.

  6. shivanshu pandey Avatar
    shivanshu pandey

    HH4AoVE2qPd386 please check

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shivanshu

      Your answer is more focused on the issues part of the relations, it’s okay but give equal space to consolidation of relations till now. Mention some important facts, agreements etc. Will give more weight to the answer. Mention 4100 km long border shared, also 1-2 line about recent spectacular growth of Bangladesh which makes it a very bright prospect for Indo- B’desh relations.

      In steps taken mention some of these
      Friendship treaty 1972
      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      border haats
      line of credit by India

      Issues and importance, you have brought out well.

      You can use hub and spoke diagrams in such questions to cover multiple dimensions in such questions if word limit is an issue.

  7. deepika annamalai Avatar
    deepika annamalai

    Payment ID – HIWaoP4yYMjmlq

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Deepika

      Try to upload scanned image or atleast zoom the image before clicking, otherwise it is very difficult to read.

      In introduction, better to mention GDP per capita rather than jute, it will give a more complete picture. Also, try to structure the answer better, give sub headings as per demand of the question

      Introduction, importance for each other, consolidation, issues, conclusion. Otherwise, it seems like an essay, all mixed up.

      Also, explain with more nuance– for e.g. enclaves are important you have written, you have to mention land boundary agreement 2015 there, skip the point altogether if you don’t remember.

      Also economic dimension you have missed, mention line of credit India gives to B’desh, border haats, connectivity–this is important because B’desh is our largest trading partner in South Asia and recently it’s doing very good.

      Conclusion is good. Keep practicing.

  8. Kartikey Singh Avatar
    Kartikey Singh

    pay_HHogiMPYpQ87sC

    1. Kartikey Singh Avatar
      Kartikey Singh

      Sorry, I posted the answer to a different question.

    2. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Kartikey

      You have written well, covered almost all dimensions. Mention 4100km border/largest border India shares.

      In consolidation, you can mention about Treaty of friendship 1972, a bit about Bangladesh liberation war–India had a great role. Also, since B’desh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, explain 1-2 lines about trade. Also, this question is framed in light of good economic performance of Bangladesh. You can mention total trade figures, or something about line of credit that India extends , border haats etc
      Also in issues mention that unfavorable balance of trade is a cause of concern from Bangladesh perspective.

      Rest of the points are good, you can add on more points and draw a hub and spoke diagram in one part of the answer to remain inside word limit.

      Conclusive is decent but you can end on a more positive note such as- day is not far when both countries will see movement of people on the lines of capital and commerce and complete the economic integration.

  9. Sonal Sharma Avatar
    Sonal Sharma

    #0000422288
    Kindly evaluate my answer.

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Sonal

      You have written a very good answer, presentation is neat and clean and your language skills are also good. These are in your favor. Some amount of rote learning will help you immensely now.

      For e.g- instead of writing phoenix rise, a data nugget about GDP per capita will substantiate your argument and give a positive impression. In economic measures you can quote the total trade figures. Treaty Of friendship 1972 can be mentioned in political measures. In security cooperation, you can mention composite border management plan, border haats. Rest of the points are good, should work fine.

      In issues, two points you should mention-
      issue of illegal immigration which is a sensitive issue of India(this can also include B’desh disappointment over the rhetoric of CAA/NRC in India) and
      unfavorable balance of trade from Bangladesh perspective

      Conclusion is good, keep writing.

      —

  10. SUMITA DOWERAH Avatar
    SUMITA DOWERAH

    Payment Id
    pay HFrdyJMOEZ9967

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Sumita

      Your introduction and conclusion is very good. In the body, you need to enrich the answer a bit by writing about some concrete steps both countries have taken. Otherwise it seems you are just writing generic points. For e.g in consolidation part you can mention-
      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      border haats
      line of credit by India
      connectivity from kolkata to agartala via b’desh(maitri setu example)

      In issues you have written 2 good points, you can further add
      illegal immigration issue(sensitive for India)
      balance of trade in India’s favor(seen as a problem for B’desh)

      Rather than explaining one point in detail, try adding more dimensions to the answer.

      Good attempt. Keep writing.

  11. Fun Learning with Rajlaxmi. Avatar
    Fun Learning with Rajlaxmi.

    Review
    Ref no 0000420120

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Rajlaxmi,

      You have written a very good answer. Introduction and co-operation part is very good. Mention liberation war and treaty of friendship 1972 in co-operation part only. No need to mention in conclusion. You can mention some cultural ties- shared history, bengali language etc

      In issues you can mention-

      issue of illegal immigration which is a sensitive issue for India and
      unfavorable balance of trade from Bangladesh perspective.
      Also a passing reference can be made of Rohingyas as co-operation is required by both countries to deal with this.
      Write a more forward looking conclusion about what the future holds( economic integration etc) and not about what already happened in the past.

      Good effort. Keep practicing.

  12. AABHA RANI Avatar
    AABHA RANI

    Razor payment id:-HHOoNABVzCCLcD

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Aabha

      You have tried well, but I think you have not understood some of the demands of the question. Article shared above is just for help, don’t limit yourself to it.

      You can cut the introduction short, 1-2 lines and give a separate sub heading for consolidation of ties. You have missed that part, that is a core demand of the question. In that you can write about
      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      border haats
      line of credit by India
      connectivity projects like Maitri setu, connectivity between kolkata and agartala via bangladesh

      You have written bangladesh is a part of ASEAN and RCEP, it is not a part, please don’t do such mistakes, the writer of the article is saying it can become in future.

      Issue and conclusion is okay.

      See, you underline keywords in question itself and then use them as sub headings in answer and write your points under those sub headings- try to follow this approach.

      Keep writing, We’ll improve together.

  13. Mradul sharma Avatar
    Mradul sharma

    ref id – #0000422539.

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Mradul

      Good answer. Keep it up. In introduction you can use some data about recent b’desh economic growth and how it further reinforces necessity for co-operation between India and B’desh for a vibrant south asia.

      You can also mention one point about India’s role in liberation of b’desh and treaty of friendship 1972. Try to give some data regarding trade relations, line of credit, e.g. like maitri setu in connectivity. In issues mention about unfavorable balance of trade from b’desh perspective.

      Your structure of the answer is good, you can use hub-spoke diagrams for some points, try adding these things in answers to improve further.

      Keep practicing.

  14. Santosh kharat Avatar
    Santosh kharat

    Payment I’d 115009045817

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Santosh

      Good answer. Keep it up. In introduction you can use some data about recent b’desh economic growth and how it further reinforces necessity for co-operation between India and B’desh for a vibrant south asia.

      Consolidation you have covered comprehensively, you can cut down on some of the explanation and devote some space to issues also. In issues you can add – trade( unfavorable trade balance from Bangladesh perspective), rohingya issue etc

      However, this is a very good effort. Keep it up.

  15. Arpit Singh Avatar
    Arpit Singh

    Payment id HHU8LODcXby9Db

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Arpit

      Good effort. Introduction can be made better, relation between India and Bangladesh hasn’t been always cordial after 1971, it was bad during the period 2001-2006, also B’desh tried to internationalize the Farakka barrage issue and the relationship took a hit at that time also. Better, you mention that we share culture, history, ethnicity etc or you can use some data about recent b’desh economic growth and how it further reinforces necessity for co-operation between India and B’desh for a vibrant south asia.

      In co-operation mention treaty of friendship 1972, land boundary agreement 2015, maritime boundary arbitration 2014- these will add value to the answer, you can mention line of credit, border haats,comprehensive border management plan also.

      In issues, two points you should mention-
      issue of illegal immigration which is a sensitive issue of India(this can also include B’desh disappointment over the rhetoric of CAA/NRC in India) and
      unfavorable balance of trade from Bangladesh perspective

      If you mention big brother attitude, explain it in one line (why B’desh thinks so?) Better don’t mention, this term is used mainly for Indo-Nepal relations( Madhesi issue and Nepalis think that India interferes in its politics etc)

      Conclusion is good, keep writing.

  16. Shikhar Lohia Avatar
    Shikhar Lohia

    Payment ID – pay_HHRDszyfOKKRDw

    1. Shikhar Lohia Avatar
      Shikhar Lohia

      Please find the second page of this answer here.

    2. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shikhar

      Very good answer. Keep it up.You have covered all the core demands of the question. In introduction you can use some data about recent b’desh economic growth and how it further reinforces necessity for co-operation between India and B’desh for a vibrant south asia.

      In co-operation you can mention a point about connectivity- kolkata to agartala via bangladesh, bus service, freight train etc, maitri setu, co-operation in hydropower and nuclear energy, line of credit.

      In issues, mention a bit about illegal immigration, rohingyas etc- this has generated much debate in recent times, also a sensitive issue for India.

      Rest of the points are good. Keep writing.

  17. shubham yadav Avatar
    shubham yadav

    Please review
    Payment Id – pay_HHhwlNw9vfR4HH

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shubham,

      You have attempted well but your answer is very generalist. Cut down on the story about liberation, this question focuses more on consolidation in relations after that and current issues, so you mention liberation and treaty of friendship 1972 in 1-2 lines. Further mention some data rich points to show how the relationship consolidated-

      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      border haats
      line of credit by India
      connectivity from kolkata to agartala via b’desh(bus service, maitri setu)

      Also, mention something about trade relations- B’desh is India’s largest trade partner in south Asia, in issues you can mention about the unfavorable balance of trade from B’desh perspective.

      Rest of the points you have covered, try to be more relevant to the question.

      Keep practicing.

  18. Utkarsha Yadav Avatar
    Utkarsha Yadav

    Please review
    Payment Id pay_HHWzC2O9xhkaqA

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Utkarsha

      Very good answer. Keep it up.You have covered more or less all dimensions. The introduction and use of graph is good, you can use gdp per capita data rather than absolute gdp, that will indicate the performance of B’desh better.

      In relations you can add about the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries,
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014- these are some recent developments of importance, examples like Maitri setu can be used in connectivity.

      Rest of the answer is good, in conclusion try to be more positive as this is a good relationship- day is not far when both countries will see movement of people on the lines of capital and commerce and complete the economic integration.

      Keep writing.

  19. Vishnu Agrawal Avatar
    Vishnu Agrawal

    Order id: 0000422561

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Vishnu

      Your introduction can be better, relations between India and B’desh has not always been cordial, especially when there was military coup in B’desh under Gen Zia ul Haq, B’desh tried to internationalize Farakka issue, also during 2001-2006 relations were not very cordial, also avoid mentioning Pakistan( not a question about them). You can use some data about recent b’desh economic growth and how it further reinforces necessity for co-operation between India and B’desh for a vibrant south asia.

      Also, in co-operation you can mention 1-2 lines about India’s role in liberation war and treaty of friendship 1972, write some concrete steps both countries have taken to consolidate relations–otherwise it seems very generic, points you can use-

      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      border haats
      line of credit by India
      connectivity from kolkata to agartala via b’desh(bus service, maitri setu)

      Also, mention something about trade relations- B’desh is India’s largest trade partner in south Asia, in issues you can mention about the unfavorable balance of trade from B’desh perspective.

      Rest of the points are good. Keep practicing.

  20. ankita thakur Avatar
    ankita thakur

    Payment id-HJHAZEWKSzM3CX

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Ankita

      Good effort, mention somewhere especially in the introduction part about spectacular economic performance of Bangladesh in recent times and how that has made it more important for India as well as south Asia.

      Rest of the points are good, you can mention about Land boundary agreement 2015, maritime boundary arbitration 2014, composite border management plan- these will increase the factual component in the answer and catch the examiner’s eye.

      Issues and conclusion are good. You can add points about illegal immigration which is a sensitive issue for India, Rohingyas etc. Also you can use hub and spoke diagram for adjusting points and remaining inside word limit.

      Read some other answers and keep practicing.

  21. Vivek H Avatar
    Vivek H

    Payment Id : 115213946268

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Vivek

      Good effort, mention somewhere especially in the introduction part about spectacular economic performance of Bangladesh in recent times and how that has made it more important for India as well as south Asia.

      Rest of the points are good, you can mention about Land boundary agreement 2015, maritime boundary arbitration 2014, composite border management plan- these will increase the factual component in the answer and catch the examiner’s eye.

      Mention about developments in connectivity- this is an important aspect of the relationship(kolkata to agartala via bangladesh, bus service, freight train, motor vehicle agreement, maitri setu etc)

      In water disputes section mention about teesta river- main issue of contention. You can also add unfavorable balance of trade from Bangladesh perspective to cover more dimensions.

      Rest of the points are good, keep writing.

  22. Yamini Khosla Avatar
    Yamini Khosla

    ID- 0000420380

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Yamini,

      Mention about the rising importance of Bangladesh for both India and the South Asia region especially after its spectacular economic performance recently. Also some figures can be given regarding trade, a good trading relationship is one of the keys to stability in relationship.

      You have covered rest of the points quite adequately, so not much scope of improvement from here in these questions. You can bring some factual component by mentioning Land boundary agreement 2015, composite border management plan etc

      Passing mention can also be made of co-operation at various regional and multilateral forums.

      Very good attempt. Keep writing.

  23. Harshaa Sharma Avatar
    Harshaa Sharma

    Idpay_HJ2s89guguFYwg

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Harshaa,

      Please upload right answer in right place. I think you have interchanged GS2 and GS3. Also write answer on UPSC style notebook or A4 size sheets. Try to follow the rule of introduction-body-conclusion.

      Also try to go through the article mentioned in the mentor’s comments part. It will improve your understanding of the issue. The question is very specific. You have to write

      1.how inflation after 2nd wave is different from the 1st
      2.explain impossible trinity(make simple line diagrams in this)
      3.explain what difference RBI is facing in dealing with impossible trinity after the 2nd wave compared to the 1st wave.

      Just giving a superficial view in such questions won’t work Harshaa, you will have to deal with all parts comprehensively.

      In point 1, mention that in last wave global prices remained down, so inflation was mainly due to domestic supply side logistic and transportation constraints whereas this year, due to global asymmetric recovery, global prices are up. Last time inflation was mainly CPI driven with WPI remaining stable, however, there is inflationary pressure on WPI too.

      In point 3 you can mention RBI might have to use monetary policy this time unlike last year because it doesn’t have to buy dollars, so exchange rate part is stable- it needs to focus on the other two components of impossible trinity.

      Read some good answers, you will understand better. Keep writing.

  24. Rupesh Kumar Pandey Avatar
    Rupesh Kumar Pandey

    #0000416426
    @Swatanra sir uploaded this very late. Please review of you notice this.

    1. Rupesh Kumar Pandey Avatar
      Rupesh Kumar Pandey

      @Swatantra Hi Sir
      Can you check this one. Uploaded late. In case you get time.

    2. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Rupesh

      There are some problems in the tone of this answer. You can’t write that India treated somebody like a poor nation, use better terms if you write such points such as ‘least developed country’. Also, Bangladesh is a sovereign independent country, so India cannot ‘force’ any opinion from B’desh at global forums. Also don’t write hearsay points such as illegal migration wills stop or illegal migrants hold extremist views- there is no conclusive study to prove these things, so better to avoid.You are not posting on social media but writing a mains answer so be a bit careful. Write about so many positive steps that have been taken, there is a lot of content for this answer.

      You can mention
      the Land Boundary Agreement 2015 signed by both countries
      maritime boundary arbitration settlement 2014
      Ganges water treaty
      border haats
      line of credit by India

      In issues mention
      Teesta water issue(this is an important one)
      You can also mention illegal migration as an issue between both countries which needs to be solved by mutual cooperation.
      Also you can mention trade balance in favour of India here mentioning it is an issue for Bangladesh which they would like to solve.

      Read some other answers and be a bit nuanced while writing answers. You don’t know who is checking the answers,better to be on safe side. Keep writing. 🙂

  25. Dharitri Das Avatar
    Dharitri Das

    @

  26. Dharitri Das Avatar
    Dharitri Das

    @swatantra

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